Awards: Two Runberg affordable-housing projects receive national 2020 Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Awards

Congratulations to two of our affordable housing partners for being named recipients of the 26th annual Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Awards (Edson Awards), which recognize outstanding affordable housing developments and organizations that have demonstrated especially impactful use of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit).

The Tony Lee, developed by the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI), has won a 2020 Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award in the Large Metropolitan Category (city population 300,000 or more).

Gardner House and Allen Family Center, developed by Mercy Housing Northwest, has won a 2020 Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award in the Special Needs Category. Mercy  Magnuson Place, also developed by Mercy Housing Northwest, received an additional award in the Historic Tax Credit Category. (Runberg was not a part of the Mercy Magnuson Place design team.)

Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) issued the following statement regarding the announcement of this year’s recipients: “These projects provide not only housing, but also access to bustling neighborhoods, outdoor recreation, public transportation and community services. By providing affordable homes coupled with neighborhood access, we are making strides toward realizing housing as a human right.”

The 13 winners are strengthening communities, improving residents’ opportunity and boosting economies across 11 states, with locations in rural areas such as Jefferson, North Carolina, and the San Xavier District of the Tohono O’odham Nation, Arizona, and in urban communities including Atlanta, St. Paul and Seattle.

Though the awards are typically presented by members of Congress on Capitol Hill, this year, the awards were announced virtually, and more than 20 Senators and Representatives from both parties – including Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), and lead Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act sponsor Maria Cantwell (D-WA) – provided their congratulations through statements, videos, signed letters, the gifting of flags previously flown over the U.S Capitol, and more. Members of Congress plan to participate in virtual events with the winners, submit statements for the congressional record, promote the announcement through social media, and engage with the winning properties in other ways.